Sorry I didn't finish. The cat stepped on the keyboard
I see this as no different than the insurance and auto business when a
vehicle is in an accident, often it is declared "totaled". Otherwise not
worth repairing. Unfortunately with our radios, we need to view the issue
much the same way. Thus when does the cost to repair exceed the value of
the radio. If one can buy a decent and working Paragon for $450 and then a
year later find out that it will cost $100 or more to repair it, is it worth
it? Likely not.
In my case, I've repaired quite a few Paragon's and Omni V's and VI's.
Frankly, if I fairly charged for the parts and labor hours at a reasonable
rate, the true repair would likely exceed the intrinsic value of the radio.
Again, in my case, I don't make a living and thus not needed to be
"profitable". I just do it to help fellow hams. ***I am not nor will I
solicit any products for repair. I'm retired and will only repair my own
products.***
With regard to companies "legal" liability for product support, as I recall
most laws in the US, for non-consumer products which ham radios falls in,
required support is limited to the term of the warranty, otherwise 1 year
and in some cases 90 days. In Europe there is a longer time limit, I forget
the period. Still, once the product gets outside of the 7 to 10 period,
frankly you're on your own regardless of the company.
Should any company support a product past these terms, consider them GREAT
and generous and well meaning. In many if not most cases, it just won't
happen in today's economy.
73
Bob, K4TAX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob McGraw - K4TAX" <RMcGraw@Blomand.net>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2012 7:11 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Boards with obsolete parts
When I was with a JA electronics company, {some 15 years} and one that
made
professional audio products and other things, we attempted to determine
how
many and which parts were required to support a product for 7 years once
production was terminated. We purchased those items and quantities and
put
them in the parts center. If we were correct in our forcast then the
product was supported for that period of time. In certain cases, we were
wrong, and simply the parts were consumed before the period planned has
expired. In many instances some of the parts were unique thus were
totally
manufactured by the company. In other cases the components were
discontinued by the supplier/manufacturer. Bottom line, when parts are
gone
and the source dries up, that's it. Unless some enterprising sole chooses
to go into the re-design or manufacturing business, likely one that is a
hobby and most assuredly not profitable, just for gratification.
It is just basic business and we must understand that any business, to
continue to exist, must at least break even or ideally make a profit.
Yes,
in the instance above, we could design a new PC board, populate it, test
it
and sell it. The question "will the consumer pay the price?" Likely
not.
The 2nd point, is the cost of repair in any dollar amount is it worth the
investment in the product? As a point of economics, likely not. While
some may say, hey design and manufacture a new replacement board and sell
it
to me at a reasonable cost. OK, so it is sold at a loss then where is the
loss covered? It goes into the new merchandise cost and eventually to the
consumer. The next question, will the consumer pay the new product cost
at
the current market. Competitively, not likely.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joel Hallas" <jrhallas@optonline.net>
To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2012 6:46 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Boards with obsolete parts
I can't disagree with Barry in principle, however, a really great company
that gives great service would, IMO, if an aftermarket redesigned PC
board
were available, either:
1. Resell them to customers who need one, including perform repairs using
the boards -- good biz and good PR, or at the very least,
2. Point users who need such repairs to the provider.
Regards, Joel Hallas, W1ZR
Westport, CT
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Barry N1EU
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2012 5:31 AM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] 40m BCI and Ten-Tec vs. Elecraft
On Sun, Jul 22, 2012 at 1:54 AM, Jerry Haigwood <jerry@w5jh.net> wrote:
I contacted TenTec to see what fixes they may have for the display
logic board. Paul informed me they don't have any fixes for this board.
Paul also stated that the Corsair II was so old that it is not worth
fixing and he does not recommend sending it to TenTec for repair.
Well, so much for that great TenTec support we have all been discussing.
It's clearly not economically feasible for Ten-Tec to invest engineering
resources in designing a work-around for parts that are no longer
available
in a 25 year-old radio. I might not like it but I wouldn't blame any
company taking that position.
Barry N1EU
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